There's a new event rolling into the central west in two weeks and everyone from seasoned cyclists to someone who's just looking to experience the beauty of the region, can be part of it.
goodnessgravel, an Australian bike event company, is partnering with Parkes Shire Council to run the first edition of goodnessgravel Parkes on Saturday, November 1.
The event will showcase the excellent gravel roads and stunning scenery throughout the shire and bring riders from all over the state and interstate for a gravel cycling festival.
Parkes is one of four events this year organised by the company, the opportunity arising after the Covid pandemic.
Due to not being able to travel overseas for their tours, they turned to their own Australian backyard and contacted various rural NSW Councils to consult on their cycle tourism opportunities.
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"There is so much gold in the Parkes Region," organisers said.
"It is not just the event loops but there is also the riding out to The Dish, Bogan Gate and Peak Hill."
On the Saturday riders will depart from Harrison Park and have the option of selecting one of the three different courses: 130km ride with +1200m of ascent or the shorter 110km ride with +1000m of ascent, or finally there is a 50km ride with 350m of ascent.
All courses are signposted and will travel through the gravel roads and countryside to the south-east of Parkes including Cookamidgera, Mandagery and for the full 130km, the course will go down to Eugowra.
Riders will receive a good(ness) bag when registering which includes their own reusable beeswax dipped rider plate plus a neck warmer with the courses printed on it.
At the dedicated rest stop in Cookamidgera riders will be able to refuel with top level cycling nutrition and grab a banana, donut and/or a Tim-Tam(s), plus top-up their water bottle while listening to a local musician.
On course there will be further support with roving mechanics, motorbikes, medics and support vehicles.
When riders return to Harrison Park they will all receive a finishers pin and complimentary sausage sandwich plus drink supplied by the Parkes Action Club.
There will be another local musician playing to entertain the crowd while riders are enjoying their meal and reminisce about the ride.
On the Sunday riders will be provided with information for a recovery ride from The Dish. Coffee will be available and there are three different options to sample around this iconic landmark.
For full details of this exciting gravel ride and to book head to goodnessgravel.com/parkes.
Bookings will close at 8am the Thursday before the event (October 30).
To also see information on the other goodnessgravel events which include Glen Innes, Orange or Bulahdelah visit goodnessgravel.com.
Event sponsors are: Parkes Council, Shimano Shoes, Shimano GRX, Lazer Helmets, Bombtrack Bicycles, SMOOVE Lube, Panaracer Tires, Apidura bike bags, BOWY Clothing, Ass Magic Chamois Cream and Heaps Normal Non-Alcoholic beer.
